MSW Reference Form

Please note: The MSW Recommendation Form is to be completed by a professional colleague who is not a family member.

Name of Applicant*

Name of Evaluator*

Position/Title*

Type of reference*

Professional

Educational

Personal

Contact Phone

Email*

Address

To the Evaluator:

The person named above is applying for admission to our University as a candidate for the degree of Master of Social Work. This involves not only an intensive program of graduate study but also commitment to a professional career of serious responsibility. You have been selected by the applicant as someone who can be helpful to us in evaluating his or her qualifications and readiness to enter graduate school.

Sound intelligence and the ability to think clearly and to communicate effectively are vital qualifications. Equally important are basic friendliness and security of personality, exemplified in good relationships with others. Emotional maturity and stability appropriate to the applicant's age are essential. Motivation to enter the field of social work should include an awareness of social issues as well as a deep concern for people.

Although people continue to grow and mature, a person who enters a professional school of social work without a good degree of readiness in all these areas risks failure and, at best, is likely to have a difficult and painful experience. Therefore, you can best help the applicant by being frank about his or her limitations as well as strengths. We ask you to answer these questions as fully as possible. Additional observations by using the box at the bottom of the form or by personal contact are most welcome.

Again, we thank you for your assistance in this process.

How long have you known the applicant and in what capacity?*

Personality Characteristics

Maturity Level

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Self-awareness

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Self-discipline

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Sensitivity to others

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Dependability

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Character

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Problem-solving abiltiy

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Accepts criticism

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Physical stamina

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Ability to respect and work with differences in people (e.g. race, age, class, culture)

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Intellectual/Academic Characteristics

Conceptual ability

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Spirit of inquiry

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Intellectual capacity

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Verbal communication

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Written communication

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Ability to complete a graduate program in social work

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Professional Characteristics

Cooperation

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Leadership ability

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Professional self care

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Concern and commitment to social issues

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Ability to perform under pressure

Outstanding

Good

Average

Below Average

Not Observed

Further comments/elaborations to aid us in evaluating this applicant:*